Watch an Army of Wolves Band Together to Take on Humongous Bison
For most of this incredible clip, the pack of wolves know something that we don’t. Their behavior seems bizarre and impossible to explain. They initially target a herd of bison but as there are no calves amongst them, there is no clear target for an attack. Suddenly, the alpha male wolf takes off in a completely different direction. The others follow, moving so fast that they leave some of their younger cubs behind.
Eventually, we get to see that he has spotted two bulls that have become separated from the herd. It is the older bull that the wolves are interested in. They can sense that there is something wrong with him but do not attack. By the next day, we can see why. The bull has died – almost certainly from natural causes. There was no need for the wolves to waste energy attacking him, they simply had to hang around and wait. At the end of the clip, they are already tucking into the huge carcass.
Hoe Do Wolves Normally Behave?
Grey wolves are found in Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and some parts of Eurasia. Their original range has been greatly reduced due to hunting, environmental change, and habitat loss. They are able to live in arctic tundra, prairies and arid landscapes. They are highly sociable animals who live and hunt as a pack. A pack can contain anything between five and nine individuals. They are typically made up of an alpha breeding pair – a male and a female. Also within the pack you will find their offspring from several previous years.
There is a strong dominance hierarchy, and the pack leader is usually the alpha male. As you see in this clip, he leads the hunt. The more senior animals also eat first.
What Do Wolves Normally Eat?
Grey wolves are carnivores and hunters. They usually hunt as a pack but may also hunt alone. They locate prey through scent or sometimes just come across it as they are patrolling their territories. Their exact diet depends on which prey species are available at the time. They usually target larger animals including moose, elk, reindeer, and as we see in this clip, bison.
Their hunting technique is to isolate an individual animal – they usually target younger and infirm individuals. Once the prey is on the floor, they attack its rump, flank, and shoulders. Wolves can eat up to 19 pounds of meat in one meal!
